Eldon man admits to child sexual exploitation
An Eldon man pleaded guilty Tuesday to having sexual encounters with a child over two years as he traveled out-of-state for work.
James A. Guthrie III, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, the U.S. attorney’s office said in a news release.
Guthrie admitted to traveling to North Carolina five times for work and having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl at various hotels, according to the release. Guthrie admitted to picking the girl up from school or her house, the release said, and her father took her to the hotel once.
Guthrie also admitted to having pornographic pictures of the girl and to buying her clothes and food and paying her cellphone bill, the release said.
Guthrie faces a 10-year minimum prison sentence and up to life in prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be set after a presentence investigation.
